Injection system for injecting fluid into a patient having an injector head and a side cover

ABSTRACT

An injection system includes an injector head that is configured to control delivery of a designated fluid to a patient. The injector head includes a syringe interface along an active side of the injector head. The syringe interface has a receiving cavity that is configured to receive a syringe barrel. A side cover has a syringe opening therethrough. The side cover is sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the active side of the injector head such that the receiving cavity and the syringe opening align with each other to form a port that receives the syringe barrel.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/510,290, entitled “Integrated Reflection Injectionsystem,” filed on May 24, 2017, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

The present application also claims priority to U.S. Patent ApplicationNos. 15/988,464 and 15/988,513, filed the same day as the presentapplication, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to an injectionsystem that injects a fluid into a patient during a medical procedureand components of the injection system.

BACKGROUND

Various medical procedures supply a designated fluid to a patient in acontrolled manner. Examples include saline, drug delivery, and contrastmedia. Contrast media is injected into a patient for diagnostic andtherapeutic imaging procedures, such as computed tomography (CT). Thecontrast media is typically delivered at a predetermined rate orschedule and at relatively high pressures.

Powered injection systems are often used during such procedures. U.S.Pat. No. 6,652,489 discloses a front-loading powered injection system,syringes, syringe interfaces, syringe adapters, and syringe plungers.These injection systems can be programmed to, among other things,deliver the fluid at a predetermined rate or schedule and can providethe fluid at the designated pressure.

Such injection systems, however, may have one or more problems. Forexample, at least one known injection system is automatically activatedwhen the syringe is inserted within a port of the injection system andoperably engaged to the injection system. The injection system uses alight detector to confirm the presence of the syringe and, optionally,other information about the syringe. Light is directed through the wallof the syringe and refracted by grooves along an outer surface of thewall. The refraction generates light signals that are read by the lightdetector. The light signals confirm the presence of the syringe withinthe port and may provide additional information about the syringe (e.g.,fluid contained within the syringe). This known system, however, maygenerate several errors or misreadings.

The light is directed through the walls when a sensor is triggered bythe syringe. A flex ring is positioned within a housing at an interfaceof the port. A portion of the syringe is inserted through the flex ring.As the syringe is inserted to secure the syringe to the injectionreader, a flange that projects radially outward from the syringe engagesthe flex ring, thereby moving the flex ring. When the flex ring moves, ahall-effect sensor within the interface is triggered. In response tothis trigger, the injection system prepares for operation and the pistonengages the plunger.

In this known system, however, it is necessary for the syringe to engagethe flex ring each time the syringe is loaded, thereby causing wear andrequiring frequent replacement of the flex ring. Moreover, the injectionsystem automatically prepares itself when the syringe is loaded, whichmay not be desirable in some cases.

In addition to the above, a significant amount of pressure is applied tothe fluid within the syringe which may cause the liquid to leak. Assuch, the side of the injection system that supports the syringe isexposed to liquid. The liquid may damage the injection reader or maypossibly be a health risk to individuals who come in contact with theliquid.

SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a syringe barrel isprovided. The syringe barrel comprises a barrel body that has a passageextending along a longitudinal axis between a tip opening and a loadopening. The passage is configured to permit a plunger to advancetherethrough along the longitudinal axis for driving liquid through thetip opening. The barrel body includes a base portion that is configuredto operably engage an injection system. The base portion has a bodysurface that is shaped to form a light-propagating space alongside thebody surface. The light-propagating space is defined by reflective rampsof the body surface. The reflective ramps have predetermined sizes andpositions to reflect light signals radially away from the barrel body.

In some aspects, the light-propagating space may include alight-propagating recess defined between side surfaces.

In some aspects, the base portion may have a load edge that may definethe load opening. The load edge may have a reduced thickness along thelight-propagating recess. The light-propagating recess may extend fromthe load edge to the reflective ramps.

In some aspects, the body surface may be an exterior surface.

In some aspects, the base portion may include a base wall that may havethe body surface and a load edge that may define the load opening. Thebase portion may be incapable of having an appreciable amount ofelectromagnetic radiation with a detectable wavelength propagate fromthe load edge through the base wall to the reflective ramps. Optionally,the base portion may be incapable of having the appreciable amount ofelectromagnetic radiation with a detectable wavelength propagate fromthe load edge through the base wall to the reflective ramps because ofat least one of the following (a) the base portion is shaped from anopaque material; (b) the body surface of the base portion is coated withan opaque material; or (c) the base portion includes discontinuitiestherein that scatter the electromagnetic radiation.

In some aspects, the light-propagating space may be defined by at leastfirst and second levels of the body surface.

In some aspects, the light-propagating space may be a firstlight-propagating space and the reflective ramps may be first reflectiveramps. The barrel body may be shaped to form a second light-propagatingspace that may be defined between the end of the base portion and secondreflective ramps. The second reflective ramps may have predeterminedsizes and positions to reflect light signals radially away from thebarrel body. The first and second light-propagating spaces may belocated on opposite sides of the barrel body or on opposite sides of awall of the barrel body.

In some aspects, the barrel body may include a main portion. The mainportion and the base portion may be discrete elements that may beattached to each other to form the barrel body. Optionally, the syringebarrel may comprise one of the main portion or the base portion that mayhave an edge channel that may extend circumferentially around thelongitudinal axis and may open in a direction along the longitudinalaxis. The edge channel may be defined between an inner wall and an outerwall. The other of the main portion or the base portion may have an edgetrack that may extend circumferentially around the longitudinal axis.The edge track may be configured to be received within the edge channeland may threadably engage each other such that the edge track may besecured between the inner wall and the outer wall that define the edgechannel.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, an assembly is provided. Theassembly comprises a syringe barrel that has a passage extending along alongitudinal axis between a tip opening and a load opening. The passageis configured to permit a plunger to advance therethrough along thelongitudinal axis for driving liquid through the tip opening. Thesyringe barrel includes a base portion that is configured to operablyengage an injection system. The base portion has a body surface that isshaped to form a light-propagating space alongside the base portion. Alight source is configured to generate light. The light source ispositioned to direct light through the light-propagating space alongsidethe body surface. The base portion includes reflective ramps. Thereflective ramps have predetermined sizes and positions to reflect lightsignals radially away from the syringe barrel. The light iselectromagnetic radiation and may have a designated wavelength or adesignated range of wavelengths.

In some aspects, the light-propagating space may include alight-propagating recess that may be defined between side surfaces thatmay partially oppose each other with the light-propagating spacetherebetween.

In some aspects, the base portion may have a load edge that mat definethe load opening. The load edge may have a reduced thickness along thelight-propagating recess.

In some aspects, the light-propagating space may be defined by at leastfirst and second levels of the body surface. The base portion mayinclude a base wall that may have the body surface and a load edge thatmay define the load opening.

In some aspects, the base portion may be incapable of having anappreciable amount of electromagnetic radiation with a detectablewavelength propagate from the load edge through the base wall to thereflective ramps. For example, the base portion may be incapable ofhaving the appreciable amount of electromagnetic radiation with thedetectable wavelength propagate from the load edge through the base wallto the reflective ramps because of at least one of the following: (a)the base portion is shaped from an opaque material; (b) the body surfaceof the base portion is coated with an opaque material; or (c) the baseportion includes discontinuities therein that scatter theelectromagnetic radiation.

In some aspects, the light-propagating space may be a firstlight-propagating space and the reflective ramps may be first reflectiveramps. The syringe barrel may be shaped to form a secondlight-propagating space that may extend to second reflective ramps. Thesecond reflective ramps may have predetermined sizes and positions toreflect light signals radially away from the syringe barrel.

In some aspects, the syringe barrel may also include a main portion. Themain portion and the base portion may be discrete elements that may beattached to each other to form the syringe barrel.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, an injection system isprovided. The injection system comprises an injector head that isconfigured to control delivery of a designated fluid to a patient. Theinjector head includes a syringe interface along an active side of theinjector head. The syringe interface has a receiving cavity that isconfigured to receive a syringe barrel. The injector head also includesan internal sensor. A magnetic switch has an external magnet outside ofthe injector head. The external magnet is operable to modify a magneticfield experienced by the internal sensor to activate the internalsensor.

In some aspects, the injector head also includes an internal movablemagnet that may be operable to move relative to the internal sensor whena syringe barrel is inserted into the receiving cavity. The magneticfield experienced by the internal sensor may be a function of respectivemagnetic fields produced by the movable magnet and the external magnet.

In some aspects, each of the magnetic switch and the movable magnet maybe capable of independently activating the internal sensor.

In some aspects, the respective magnetic field of the magnetic switchmay reduce an effect of the respective magnetic field of the movablemagnet on the internal sensor. Optionally, the internal sensor may bewithin three centimeters from the receiving cavity and may be withinthree centimeters of an exterior of the injector head. The externalmagnet may include an electromagnet that may be configured toselectively produce a respective magnetic field.

In some aspects, the electromagnet may be located alongside the activeside of the injector head. The external magnet may include a permanentmagnet. The permanent magnet may be configured to be moved betweendifferent positions, thereby moving the respective magnetic field of thepermanent magnet. The permanent magnet may be operable to move alongsidethe active side of the injector head.

In some aspects, the injection system may comprise a side cover that maycover at least a portion of the active side. Optionally, the side covermay include a track that is slidably coupled to the e magnet. Thepermanent magnet may slide along the track between the differentpositions. The permanent magnet may move relative to the internal sensoras the permanent magnet moves along the track. The side cover mayinclude at least one of a shroud or a fascia.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, an injection sub-assembly isprovided. The injection sub-assembly comprises a support structure thatis configured to be coupled to an injector head for controlling deliveryof a designated fluid to a patient. An external magnet is coupled to thesupport structure outside of the injector head. The external magnet isoperable to modify a magnetic field experienced by the internal sensorto activate the internal sensor.

In some aspects, the external magnet may include an electromagnet thatmay be configured to selectively produce a respective magnetic field.

In some aspects, the external magnet may include a permanent magnet thatmay be configured to be moved between different positions, therebymoving the respective magnetic field of the permanent magnet. Thepermanent magnet may be operable to move alongside the active side ofthe injector head.

In some aspects, the injection sub-assembly may also include a sidecover that may include or forms the support structure. The side covermay have a syringe opening and may be configured to be mounted to anactive side of the injector head.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method is provided. Themethod comprises providing an injector head configured to controldelivery of a designated fluid to a patient. The injector head includesa syringe interface along an active side of the injector head. Thesyringe interface has a receiving cavity that is configured to receive asyringe barrel. The injector head also includes an internal sensor.Actuating a magnetic switch has an external magnet outside of theinjector head. In response to being actuated, the magnetic switchgenerates a respective magnetic field to modify a magnetic fieldexperienced by the internal sensor.

In some aspects, the injector head may also include an internal movablemagnet that may be operable to move relative to the internal sensor whena syringe barrel is inserted into the receiving cavity. The magneticfield experienced by the internal sensor may be a function of respectivemagnetic fields produced by the movable magnet and the external magnet.

In some aspects, each of the magnetic switch and the movable magnet maybe capable of independently activating the internal sensor.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, an injection system isprovided. The injection system comprises an injector head that isconfigured to control delivery of a designated fluid to a patient. Theinjector head includes a syringe interface along an active side of theinjector head. The syringe interface has a receiving cavity that isconfigured to receive a syringe barrel. A side cover has a syringeopening therethrough. The side cover is sized and shaped to cover atleast a portion of the active side of the injector head such that thereceiving cavity and the syringe opening align with each other to form aport that receives the syringe barrel.

In some aspects, the injector head may be part of a legacy system thatmay be operable without the side cover. For example, the legacy systemhas been used for delivering liquids. The legacy system is capable ofoperating without the side cover.

In some aspects, the side cover may be removably mounted to the injectorhead.

In some aspects, the side cover may have a deflectable rib with aradially-inward surface that may define a portion of the port.Optionally, the deflectable rib may have a radially-outward surfacedefining a tactile opening. The deflectable rib may move when engagedwith the syringe barrel such that a size or shape of the tactile openingmay change when the deflectable rib moves. Optionally, the side covermay include a shroud and a fascia that may have the tactile opening.

In some aspects, the shroud may be sized and shaped to cover the tactileopening. For example, the shroud may cover at least 90% of an exteriorsurface of the fascia. Optionally, the side cover may include a fasciathat may cover at least a portion of the active side and a shroud thatmay cover at least a portion of the fascia.

In some aspects, the fascia may include a secondary opening and thesyringe opening. The shroud may cover the secondary opening but not thesyringe opening. The fascia and the cover may be stacked side-by-sideand may be secured to each other.

Optionally, the injection system may further comprise a strap. Thefascia and the cover may be secured to each other by the strap.Optionally, the side cover may cover at least 90% of an exterior surfaceof the active side.

In some aspects, the injection system may also include an externalmagnet that may be coupled to the side cover. The external magnet may beat least one of (a) a permanent magnet operable to move with respect tothe injector head or (b) an electromagnet.

Optionally, the side cover may include a fascia that may cover at leasta portion of the active side and a shroud that may cover at least aportion of the fascia. At least one of the fascia and the shroud mayhave a respective slot that may receive the external magnet. Theexternal magnet may be movable within the respective slot.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, an injection system isprovided. The injection system comprises a syringe barrel that has apassage extending along a longitudinal axis between a tip opening and aload opening of the syringe barrel. An injector head is configured tocontrol delivery of a designated fluid to a patient. The injector headincludes a syringe interface along an active side of the injector head.The syringe interface has a receiving cavity configured to receive asyringe barrel. A side cover has a syringe opening therethrough. Theside cover is sized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the activeside of the injector head such that the receiving cavity and the syringeopening align with each other to form a port that receives the syringebarrel. The syringe barrel is configured to rotate an operating turnbetween a start position and a loaded position. The syringe barrel isreleasable when in the start position. The side cover has aradially-inward surface that defines a portion of the syringe opening.The radially-inward surface and the syringe barrel are shaped relativeto each other such that the radially-inward surface and the syringebarrel slidably engage each other during the operating turn. Theradially-inward surface and the syringe barrel are shaped relative toeach other such that a torque for rotating the syringe barrel from thestart position and from the loaded position is less than the torque forrotating the syringe barrel between the start and loaded positions.

In some aspects, the side cover may include a deflectable orcompressible physical feature that may include the radially-inwardsurface.

In some aspects, the side cover may be removable.

In some aspects, the side cover may include a lip that may extend arounda majority of a perimeter of the side cover.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method is provided. Themethod comprises providing an injector head that is configured tocontrol delivery of a designated fluid to a patient. The injector headincludes a syringe interface along an active side of the injector head.The syringe interface has a receiving cavity. The method inserts asyringe barrel into the receiving cavity of the syringe interfaceoperably engages the injector head and the syringe barrel. The methodalso includes operably engaging the injector head.

In some aspects, operably engaging the injector head and the syringebarrel includes rotating the syringe about an operating turn between astart position and a loaded position. A torque may rotate the syringebarrel from the start position and from the loaded position may be lessthan the torque for rotating the syringe barrel between the start andloaded positions.

In at least one embodiment, the syringe barrel includes a barrel bodyhaving a passage extending along a longitudinal axis between a tipopening and a load opening. The passage is configured to permit aplunger to advance therethrough for driving liquid through the tipopening. The barrel body includes a main portion and a base portion thatare discrete elements and configured to be rotatably coupled to eachother. One of the main portion or the base portion has an edge channelthat extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and opens ina direction along the longitudinal axis. The edge channel is definedbetween an inner wall and an outer wall. The other of the main portionor the base portion has an edge track that extends circumferentiallyaround the longitudinal axis. The edge track is configured to bereceived within the edge channel and threadably engage each other suchthat the edge track is secured between the inner wall and the outer wallthat define the edge channel.

In some aspects, the edge track has an inward-facing surface and theinner wall has an outward-facing surface. The inward-facing surface andthe outward-facing surface are tapered in a direction toward thelongitudinal axis. Optionally, an inner ring structure is coupled to theinner wall. Optionally, the inner ring structure projects from a top ofthe inner wall.

In some aspects, the inner ring structure is coupled to the inner walland extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis and projectsradially-inward from the inner wall.

In some aspects, the main portion and the base portion have respectivebosses that engage each other as the main portion and the base portionreach a fully-engaged condition. The bosses provide a positive stop thatindicates that the main portion and the base portion are in the fullyengaged condition.

In some aspects, the base portion has a body surface that is shaped toform a light-propagating space alongside the body surface. Thelight-propagating space is defined between an end of the base portionand reflective ramps of the body surface. The reflective ramps havepredetermined sizes and positions to reflect light signals radially awayfrom the barrel body.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, an injection sub-assembly isprovided that includes a side cover having a syringe opening. The sidecover is configured to be mounted to an active side of an injector headfor controlling delivery of a designated fluid to a patient. Theinjection sub-assembly also includes an external magnet coupled to theside cover outside of the injector head. The external magnet is operableto modify a magnetic field experienced by an internal sensor within theinjector head to activate the internal sensor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an injection system formed in accordance withan embodiment that includes a known injector head and a fascia.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the injection system of FIG. 1having a syringe barrel received in one port of the injection system.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a known injector sub-assembly that includes asyringe interface and a syringe.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the syringe of the known injectorsub-assembly of FIG. 3 that is poised to be seated within the syringeinterface.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the syringe interface of FIG. 3with a flex ring disconnected from a connector housing of the syringeinterface.

FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the syringe interface of FIG. 3with the flex ring installed within the connector housing.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a syringe barrel formed in accordancewith an embodiment that may be used with the known injection system ofFIG. 1 and that includes a main body and a syringe base.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged side perspective view of a portion of the syringebarrel of FIG. 7 prior to assembly.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the syringe barrel after assembly and in afully-engaged condition.

FIG. 10 is a side sectional view of the syringe barrel after assemblyand in a fully-engaged condition illustrating locking features of thesyringe barrel.

FIG. 11 is a side perspective view of a portion of a syringe barrelformed in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of the syringe barrel of FIG. 11prior to assembly illustrating features in greater detail.

FIG. 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the syringe barrel of FIG. 11after assembly and in a fully-engaged condition.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a known syringeillustrating refraction of light from the syringe.

FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a syringe barrelformed in accordance with an embodiment illustrating reflection of lightfrom an exterior surface of the syringe barrel.

FIG. 15B is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a syringe barrelformed in accordance with an embodiment illustrating reflection of lightfrom an interior of the syringe barrel.

FIG. 16 is an end view of a portion of an injection system in accordancewith an embodiment when the syringe barrel is in releasable position.

FIG. 17 is an end view of a portion of the injection system of FIG. 16when the syringe barrel is in a loaded position.

FIG. 18 is a schematic view of a mechanism to provide a tactileindication to a user.

FIG. 19 is an exploded view of an injection sub-assembly formed inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the injection sub-assembly ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the injection sub-assembly FIG.19.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of an underside of the injectionsub-assembly of FIG. 19.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic switch and illustrates themagnetic influence of an internal magnet and an external permanentmagnet on an internal sensor of an injector head.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic switch and illustrates amagnetic influence of an internal magnet and an external electromagneton an internal sensor of an injector head.

Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its applicationto the details of construction and the arrangement of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Thedisclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orbeing carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant toencompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well asadditional items and equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments set forth herein may include injection systems, fascias forsuch systems, system barrels, and methods of making and using the same.Embodiments may be used while injecting a designated fluid, such as acontrast media or saline, into a patient prior to and/or during amedical procedure (e.g., CT scan). Embodiments may include a syringebarrel (e.g., a 200 ml syringe barrel) having a base portion and a mainportion that are manufactured separately and then assembled together. Incertain embodiments, the base portion includes surfaces that have arefractive index configured to reflect light signals propagating from alight source. The base portion may comprise an opaque material. Unlikeprior known systems that rely on refraction, the syringe barrel isconfigured to activate a light sensor circuit in the injector headthrough reflection.

The fascia may be a multi-purpose fascia. In the illustrated embodiment,the fascia is configured to (a) protect the injector head from leakedfluid; (b) support a mechanism (e.g., switch) for activating orinitiating the injector head; and (c) provide a tactile indication to auser that the syringe barrel has been moved to a loaded position or hasbeen moved to a start/releasable position. In other embodiments, thefascia may be configured any one of (a), (b), or (c) or any two of (a),(b), or (c).

Embodiments may reduce wear on components and may be less susceptible tospillage and/or leakage as compared to prior known systems. Forinstance, the fascias and syringe barrels described herein may reducethe frequency for replacing a flex ring and/or reduce the likelihoodthat liquid will leak from the syringe barrel and spill on the injectorhead. The syringe barrels may also enhance user experience by beingidentified/read more consistently. The fascia may enhance userexperience by providing a tactile indication that the syringe barrel hasbeen loaded onto the injector head or the syringe barrel is releasablefrom the injector head.

FIG. 1 is a side view of an injection system 100 that includes aninjector head 102 and a fascia 104, which may also be referred to as aside cover in some embodiments. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of theinjection system 100 having the fascia 104 coupled to the injector head102. The injection system 100 is a flow-control system that adjustsoperation of a piston (not shown) for controlling a flow rate of liquidthat is delivered by the injection system 100. The injection system 100is configured to support one or more syringe barrels 125 and inject adesignated fluid into a patient (e.g., human or animal) through thesyringe barrels 125. For example, the injector head 102 may includelinearly reciprocal pistons that each engage a plunger 128 (FIG. 2)disposed within a syringe barrel 125.

In some embodiments, the injector head 102 may be a known injector head.In particular embodiments, the injection system 100 is configured toinject intravenous contrast media and saline into patients fordiagnostic studies in computed tomography (CT) applications. It shouldbe understood, however, that the injection system 100 may be used inother medical procedures.

In some embodiments, the fascia 104 may be removably coupled to theinjector head 102 such that the fascia 104 may be attached and detachedfrom the injector head 102 without damaging the injector head 102 or thefascia 104. The fascia 104 may cover at least a portion of an activeside 110 (FIG. 1) of the injector head 102. In the illustratedembodiment, the fascia 104 is sized and shaped to cover the entireactive side 110 and includes a peripheral lip 124 extending around atleast a majority of a perimeter of the fascia 104. The peripheral lip124 is designed to reduce the likelihood that leaked liquid willdirectly contact the injector head 102. Optionally, the fascia 104 maybe configured to cover more than one side of the injector head 102 orless than the entire active side 110.

The injector head 102 includes a user interface 106 having an array ofuser-activated control elements 108, which may include physical elements(e.g., switches, buttons, knobs) and/or virtual elements (e.g., buttonsappearing on a touchscreen). The user-activated control elements 108 mayenable a user to, for example, selectively control a flow rate of thefluid, selectively control a temperature of the delivered fluid, orpurge air within the injection system or syringe barrel. Although notshown, the injection system 100 may be part of a larger system thatincludes a computing system, display, and a pedestal or stand forholding the injection system 100.

The active side 110 is configured to receive the fascia 104. In theillustrated embodiment, the injection system 100 includes ports 112,114. Each of the ports 112, 114 is configured to receive one of thesyringe barrels 125. The syringe barrel 125 is configured to befront-loaded such that a base portion of the syringe barrel 125 isinserted through the corresponding port. Each of the ports 112, 114includes an opening 116 through the fascia 104 and a receiving cavity117 of the injector head 102.

As described herein, the fascia 104 may include a magnetic switch 120that is positioned adjacent to a sensor 122 (e.g., Hall Effect Sensor)of the injector head 102 such that the magnetic switch 120 is capable ofactivating the sensor 122. The magnetic switch 120 may include apermanent magnet 121. In other embodiments, the magnetic switch 120 mayinclude an electromagnet. The magnetic switch and the permanent magnet121 is positioned outside of the injector head 102 in the illustratedembodiment. For example, the permanent magnet 121 may be immediatelyadjacent to the injector head 102 such that the permanent magnet 121engages the injector head or has only a nominal gap therebetween (e.g.,less than 5 millimeters).

The permanent magnet 121 is operable to modify a magnetic fieldexperienced by the internal sensor to activate the internal sensor. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the permanent magnet 121 is bobbin-shaped orbarbell-shaped and forms a snap-fit with the fascia 104. The sensor 122is identified by dashed lines in FIG. 1. The sensor 122 is triggered inresponse to the magnetic switch 120 being activated (e.g., moved by auser). More specifically, the permanent magnet 121 and the correspondingmagnetic field of the permanent magnet 121 may move relative to thesensor 122. The injector head 102 may execute one or more operations inresponse to the sensor 122 being triggered. For example, the injectorhead 102 may identify/read the syringe barrel 125 and/or move a piston(not shown) to prepare for injecting the designated fluid into thepatient. In response to the sensor 122 being triggered, the injectorhead 102 may automatically retract or automatically advance a pistoninto the passage of the syringe barrel.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate a known injector sub-assembly that includes a knownsyringe interface 202 and a known syringe 204. As described herein, thesyringe 204 may be replaced by the syringe barrel 125. The syringeinterface 202 may be considered a portion of the injector head 102 andis configured to couple the syringe 204 to the injector head 102. Thesyringe interface 202 provides a mechanism by which a syringe (orsyringe barrel) may be seated quickly relative to an injector head 102.A rear surface 206 of the syringe interface 202 attaches to a frontsurface 208 of injector head 102. A front surface 220 of syringeinterface 202 is adapted to receive a rear end 222 of syringe 204.

The syringe interface 202 includes a connector housing 224 and a flexring 226, which is disposed within the connector housing 224 near afront surface 220. The syringe 204 includes a cylindrical body 230 witha tapering conical portion 232 at a front end 234. The conical portion232 is integrally connected to a discharge end 236. The discharge end236 is provided with a luer lock 238 that may be connected to a tube(not shown) that is connected ultimately to the patient (also notshown).

A ridge 244 is integrally formed on the syringe 204 toward rear end 222of syringe 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the ridge 244 is formedto be continuous around the perimeter of syringe 204. The ridge 244includes two parts, a sloping section 246 and a shoulder section 248that is essentially perpendicular to the exterior surface of cylindricalbody 230. Two or more extending tabs 250 provided forward of shoulder248, between shoulder 248 and flange 242. Tabs 250 are configured toengage flex ring 226 to release syringe 204 from connection with syringeinterface 202. As described herein, the syringe barrel 125 (FIG. 2) andother syringe barrels do not include a tab that engages the flex ringand are not designed to engage the flex ring.

The front plate 254 has a hole 258 therethrough. A lip 260 extendsaround the periphery of the hole 258. When syringe 204 engages syringeinterface 202, the flange 242 and the lip 260 with one another tominimize any leaked contrast medium from entering the interior ofsyringe interface 202 through hole 258. Alternatively, syringe 204 maybe constructed so that it does not include flange 242. Flange 242 canalso, however, serve an additional function as a mechanical stop when itengages with front surface 220 of front plate 254, ensuring proper axialpositioning of syringe 204 with respect to injector head 102.

The flex ring 226 may be made from an acetal copolymer or any othersuitable material. The flex ring 226 can include, on either side, alinear or flattened portion 262 that is integrally connected to twocurved portions 264. As shown, flex ring 226 includes a 258therethrough. On a front side of flex ring 226, one or more chamferedsurfaces 282 can be provided to facilitate insertion of rear end 222 andridge 244 of syringe 204 therethrough.

A rear surface 296 of front plate 254 includes an indentation or recess298 that has a shape similar to flex ring 226. Two notches 299 areformed in rear surface 296 of front plate 254. Notches 299 accommodateextensions 268 of flex ring 226. Indentation 298 is shaped to be largerthan flex ring 226 and a distance between notches 299 is greater than adistance between extension 268 when flex ring 226 is in a relaxed state.Notches 299 help to prevent flex ring 226 from rotating within housing224, while permitting flex ring 226 to expand to its extended state.

To connect syringe 204 to syringe interface 202, rear end 222 of syringe204 is inserted into connector housing 224 through hole 258 in frontplate 254. Flex ring 226 is maintained or fixed within indentation 298formed in rear surface 296 of front plate 254 so that extensions 268 areseated in notches 299. When inclined surface 246 of ridge 244 of syringe204 engages chamfers 282 on flex ring 226, ridge 244 forces flex ring226 from its relaxed state to its extended (or tensioned) state.

After ridges 244 clear the rear edge of flex ring 226 and radiallyoutward extending tabs 250 are rotated out of contact with flex ring226, the elastic nature of flex ring 226 causes flex ring 226 to resumeits relaxed state. When flex ring 226 can resume its relaxed state,shoulder 248 of ridge 244 engages the rear edge of flex ring 226. Thesyringe 204 is thereby held in place by flex ring 226 and cannot beaxially removed from syringe interface 202. When flex ring 226 resumesits relaxed state, an audible and/or other signal as described above canbe provided to indicate to the operator that the syringe 204 has beeninstalled on the injector. The audible and/or other signal can, forexample, be created mechanically or electronically.

The flex ring 226 has attached thereto on at least one of generally flatportions 262 (corresponding generally with the long or major axis offlex ring 226) a magnet 227 or other element that cooperates with aproximity sensor 259 (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) to determine if flexring 226 has returned to its relaxed state, for example, after insertionof syringe 204. In that regard, when flex ring 226 is in its relaxedstate, magnet 227 is adjacent to the proximity sensor 259 such that theproximity sensor 259 detects a portion of the magnetic field of themagnet 227 (e.g., one of the poles of the magnetic field). Based on aposition of the magnetic field relative to the proximity sensor 259 or,more particularly, a strength of the magnetic field experienced by theproximity sensor 259, the circuit may be in one of two different states.A first state may be associated with the syringe being present, and asecond state may be associated with the syringe being absent.

When the flex ring 226 is in its extended state, the magnet 227 is movedaway from proximity sensor 259. For example, the magnet 227 may bepulled from about 0.050″ to 0.250″ away from the proximity sensor 259,thereby reducing the strength of the magnetic field. This may cause thecircuit of the sensor to indicate the syringe is present. For example,an output voltage may increase when the syringe is present.

The proximity sensor 259 is in operative connection with the injectorhead 102 to prevent operation of injector head 102 if the flex ring isin its extended state (indicating that syringe 204 is not properly orfully connected to interface or syringe interface 202). The proximitysensor 259 can also trigger an audible and/or other indication thatsyringe 204 is properly connected to syringe interface 202 or thatsyringe 204 is disengaged from syringe interface 202.

After proper connection of syringe 204 to syringe interface 202, removalof syringe from syringe interface 202 requires that syringe 204 berotated approximately ¼ turn or approximately 90°. In general, the tabs250 extend radially outward at least to the same extent as ridge orflange 244. When syringe 204 is rotated about its axis to a lockedposition, tabs 250 abut flex ring 226 and force flex ring 226 into itsextended position. In this position, syringe 204 can be moved axiallyforward relative to syringe interface 202 so that ridge 244 passesforward of flex ring 226 and syringe 204 is released from connection tosyringe interface 202.

Once syringe 204 is fully rearwardly seated within syringe interface202, the operator must ensure that syringe 204 is rotated about its axisso that tabs 250 move out of contact with flex ring 226 and flex ring226 is permitted to return to its relaxed state.

In some embodiments, when a syringe is inserted, the syringe operablyengages a circular nylon ring with teeth to rotate. A track on thecircular ring causes the elongated flex ring to expand and move thepermanent magnet further away from the Hall Effect Sensor when thecircular ring is rotated in one direction. By rotating the circular ringto specific positions, the distance between the magnet and the HallEffect sensor can repeatably be selected, thereby repeatedly changingthe effect of the magnetic field on the sensor.

As described below, embodiments may optionally avoid engaging the flexring altogether and, as such, may not activate the Hall Effect sensor.However, embodiments may use a secondary mechanism (e.g., magneticswitch) for activating the sensor.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a syringe barrel 300 formed inaccordance with an embodiment. The syringe barrel 125 (FIG. 2) may besimilar or identical to the syringe barrel 300. The syringe barrel 300is configured to be operably coupled to an injection system, such as theinjection system 100. The syringe barrel 300 may be a multi-piececomponent. For example, the syringe barrel 300 includes a main portion304 and a base portion 306 that attach to each other to form a barrelbody 302 that defines a passage 308. Optionally, the syringe barrel 300also includes a plunger 310 that is disposed within the passage 308.

The barrel body 302 extends between a tip opening 312 and a load opening314. The passage 308 extends along a longitudinal axis 316 between thetip opening 312 and the load opening 314. The passage 308 is configuredto permit the plunger 310 to advance therethrough for driving liquidthrough the tip opening 312.

The base portion 306 and the main portion 304 are rotatable coupled toone another at a seam 318. For example, the base portion 306 and themain portion 304 may form an interference fit and/or be threadablyengaged to each other at the seam 318. In some embodiments, the plunger310 overlaps the seam 318 at a starting position (e.g., prior toinjection). The base portion has a load edge 320 that defines the loadopening 314. As described herein, the base portion 306 includes anidentification area 322 along a body surface 324 of the base portion306. As shown, the body surface 324 is an external surface that facesradially away from the longitudinal axis 316. The identification area322 is configured to identify the presence of the syringe barrel and,optionally, information regarding the syringe barrel.

The base portion 306 also has a body surface 325 (FIG. 8) that is aninterior surface. Alternatively or in addition to the body surface 324having the identification area 322, the body surface 325 may have anidentification area. As such, the identification area(s) may bepositioned along an interior surface of the barrel body, an exteriorsurface of the barrel body, or on both the interior and exteriorsurfaces.

The main portion 304 has an exterior surface 330. In the illustratedembodiment, the body surface 324 and the exterior surface 330 combine toform an exterior surface 331 of the barrel body 302. The main portion304 may be at least partially translucent so that a user may determine alevel of liquid within the passage 308 or an axial position of theplunger 310 within the passage 308. The base portion 306 may comprise adifferent material, such as a material that is more opaque than thematerial forming the main portion 304. Optionally, the main portion 304may include a leading flange 332 that projects radially away from thebody surface 324. The leading flange 332 extends entirely around thelongitudinal axis 316. Optionally, the leading flange 332 may extendonly partially around the longitudinal axis 316. The leading flange 332may have multiple separate sections that each project radially away fromthe exterior surface 330 at a common axial location but different radialpositions.

The main portion 304 may also include retaining shoulders 336, 338. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the retaining shoulders 336, 338 projectfrom the exterior surface 330 in opposite directions away from eachother and the longitudinal axis 316. The retaining shoulders 336, 338are spaced apart from the leading flange 332 by an axial distance 341.In FIG. 7, the main portion 304 includes a pair of retaining shoulders.In other embodiments, the main portion 304 may have more than tworetaining shoulders or only one retaining shoulder. As described here,the retaining shoulders may engage the fascia 104 (FIG. 1) to provide atactile indication to the user.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view of the main portion 304 and thebase portion 306 prior to the base portion 306 and the main portion 304being threadably engaged to each other. The main portion 304 and thebase portion 306 are discrete elements that are rotatably coupled toeach other. In other words, the main portion 304 and the base portion306 are separate elements that combine together to form a unitarystructure, the barrel body 302. The seam 318 (FIG. 7) may sufficientlyimpede fluid leakage during operation.

As shown, the base portion 306 includes an edge channel 340 that extendscircumferentially around the longitudinal axis 316 and opens in adirection 398 along the longitudinal axis 316. The edge channel 340 isdefined between an inner wall 342 and an outer wall 344. The mainportion 304 has an edge track 346 that extends circumferentially aroundthe longitudinal axis 316. The edge track 346 extends lengthwise alongthe longitudinal axis 316 in a direction 398 that is opposite thedirection 399. The edge track 346 is sized and shaped to be receivedwithin the edge channel 340 when the main portion 304 and the baseportion 306 are rotatably coupled. When engaged, the edge track 346 isheld between the inner wall 342 and the outer wall 344 that define theedge channel 340.

The edge track 346 includes a rim 348, a shoulder surface 350 and arunway 352 that is defined between the shoulder surface 350 and the rim348. The runway 352 is configured to receive a thread 354 of the baseportion 306. Also shown, the edge track 346 has an inward-facing surface356 and the inner wall 342 has an outward-facing surface 358. Theinward-facing surface 356 and the outward-facing surface 358 are taperedin a similar manner with respect to the longitudinal axis 316. Morespecifically, as the inward-facing surface 356 and the outward-facingsurface 358 extend in the direction 398 from the load opening 314 to thetip opening 312, the inward-facing surface 356 and the outward-facingsurface 358 extend partially toward the tip opening 312. Due to thetapered inward-facing surface 356 and outward-facing surface 358, thebase portion 306 is more readily received by the main portion 304 duringengagement. More specifically, the tapered inward-facing surface 356 andoutward-facing surface 358 permit more misalignment during engagement.

Also shown, the base portion 306 includes an inner ring structure 360that is coupled to the inner wall 342 and extends circumferentiallyaround the longitudinal axis 316. The inner ring structure 360 projectsradially-inward from the inner wall 342 toward the longitudinal axis316. The inner ring structure 360 projects radially-inward from a top ofthe inner wall 342 (or a distal end of the inner wall 342). The innerring structure 360 may enhance the structural integrity of the innerwall 342 making the inner wall 342 more resistant to pressure changeswithin the passage 308. The tapered inward-facing surface 356 andoutward-facing surface 358 may also render the barrel body 302 moreresistant to pressure changes such that liquid is less likely to leakthrough the seam 318.

Although the above description was with reference to the base portion306 having the edge channel 340 and the main portion 304 having the edgetrack 346, it should be understood that the base portion may include anedge rail and the main portion may include an edge channel in otherembodiments.

The identification area 322 of the base portion 306 includes alight-propagating space 362. In the illustrated embodiment, thelight-propagating space 362 is a void or recess that is shaped by thebody surface 324 of the base portion 306. A dashed line 370 representsan envelope that matches the shape of base portion 306. The dashed line370 indicates where material from the base portion 306 would be if notfor the light-propagating space 362.

In some embodiments, the light-propagating space 362 is positioned alongan arcuate section of the base portion 306. For such embodiments, thelight-propagating space does not extend entirely around the base portion306. The arcuate section may correspond to, for example, less thanone-third of the body surface 324 within a cross-section of the baseportion 306 that is taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In theillustrated embodiment, the arcuate section corresponds to less thanone-quarter of the body surface 324 within the cross-section of the baseportion 306 or less than one-fifth of the body surface 324 within thecross-section of the base portion 306.

The light-propagating space 362 begins at the load edge 320 and extendsto reflective ramps 364, 366 of the body surface 324. The reflectiveramps 364, 366 project away from the longitudinal axis 316 at anon-orthogonal angle and define an end of the light-propagating space362. The angle may be about 45° although other angles may be used. Thereflective ramps 364, 366 have predetermined sizes and positionsrelative to each other in order to reflect a predetermined set of lightsignals radially away from the barrel body 302. The predetermined set oflight signals may constitute a code for confirming the presence of thesyringe barrel 300 within the receiving cavity (not shown) of theinjector head (not shown). The code may also provide informationrelating to the syringe barrel 300 or the contents of the syringe barrel300, such as the liquid within the syringe barrel, a volume of theliquid, the supplier of the liquid, or the date on which the liquid wasprovided to the syringe barrel.

Also shown, the base portion 306 includes a notch 345 that opens at theload edge 320. The notch 345 may provide a reference feature by whichthe syringe barrel 300 may be oriented. More specifically, the notch 345may engage a corresponding feature of the injector head so that thesyringe barrel 300 has a proper orientation with respect to the injectorhead.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a portion of the syringe barrel 300 after themain portion 304 and the base portion 306 have been threadably engagedand are in a fully engaged position. In some embodiments, at least oneof the main portion 304 or the base portion 306 includes a boss that isconfigured to be received within a recess of the other portion. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment, the main portion 304 includes aboss 372 (e.g., tooth) that projects in the direction 399 away from theshoulder surface 350. The base portion 306 includes a recess 374 that issized and shaped to receive the boss 372. The boss 372 and the recess374 are located such that the syringe barrel 300 achieves the fullyengaged position as the boss 372 is received within the recess 374. Asthe main portion 304 and the base portion 306 are threadably engaged,the boss 372 may engage a top surface 351 of the outer wall 344 as theboss 372 approaches the recess 374. When the boss 372 engages the topsurface 351 of the outer wall 344, the friction generated may be felt bythe user who is threadably engaging the main portion 304 and the baseportion 306. The noticeable increase in friction may be immediatelyfollowed by a decrease in friction as the boss 372 enters into therecess 374. Moreover, the boss 372 and the recess 374 may be shaped suchthat further rotation is prevented.

Also shown, the main portion 304 includes a shoulder 335 that projectsradially away from the exterior surface 330. The shoulder 335 isconfigured to be positioned behind the flex ring of the injector head.The shoulder 335 may prevent the syringe barrel 300 from beinginadvertently removed from the receiving cavity during operation. Asshown, the shoulder 335 extends only partially around a circumference ofthe exterior surface 330. Although only one shoulder 335 is shown,embodiments may include more than one shoulder 335. For example,embodiments may include two shoulders 335 that are located 180° apartfrom one another.

In the fully engaged position as shown in FIG. 9, one or more physicalfeatures of the main portion 304 have predetermined positions relativeto the positions of one or more physical features of the base portion306 and vice-versa. For example, the shoulders 335 may have apredetermined position when the syringe barrel 300 is operably engagedto the injector head. As another example, the identification area 322 ofthe body surface 324 may have a predetermined position when the syringebarrel 300 is operably engaged to the injector head. In thispredetermined position, a light source may illuminate the reflectiveramps 364, 366 at an end of the light-propagating space 362. Because thereflective ramps 364, 366 are at a predetermined position the lightsignals reflected by the reflective ramps 364, 366 are directed to alight detector that is located at a predetermined fixed position.

In some embodiments, the syringe barrel 300 may include at least twoidentification areas 322 or two light-propagating spaces 362, 363 (shownin FIG. 8) along the body surface 324. The light-propagating spaces 362,363 may be on opposite sides of the barrel body. For example, the twolight-propagating spaces 362, 363 may be 180° apart. In someembodiments, the shoulders 335, the light-propagating spaces 362, 363,and the retaining shoulders 336, 338 allow the syringe barrel 300 to beoriented in only two possible rotational orientations when inserted intothe receiving cavity. As described below, the fascia may be shaped toreceive the syringe barrel in only two possible orientations that are180° apart.

In the illustrated embodiment, the light-propagating space 362 is shapedby the body surface 324, which is an exterior surface that facesradially away from the longitudinal axis 316. Alternatively or inaddition to the body surface 324, the body surface 325 may be shaped todefine a light-propagating space (not shown), which may be similar toone or more of the light-propagating spaces described herein. Forexample, the body surface 325 could include angled surfaces that reflectand/or refract the light signals away from the barrel body. For example,in such embodiments, the base portion may have an opening therethroughthat permits the reflected light signals to propagate from an interiorof the base portion to an exterior of the base portion. Alternatively,the light signals may be incident upon the interior surface and berefracted through the base portion to the exterior of the base portion.Accordingly, the syringe barrel 300 may have one or more surfaces alongan exterior of the barrel body 302, one or more surfaces along aninterior of the barrel body 302, or surfaces along both the exterior andinterior that are configured to reflect and/or refract the light signalsaway from the barrel body 302. In such embodiments, the light signalsmay propagate in free space along the barrel body 302 until beingincident upon the surfaces of the barrel body 302.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a portion of the syringe barrel 300 whenthe main portion 304 and the base portion 306 are in a fully-engagedcondition. As shown, the seam 318 is defined by the shoulder surface 350and the top surface 351 of the outer wall 344. The inward-facing surface356 and the outward-facing surface 358 engage each other along andangled interface 376. Optionally, the inner ring structure 360 mayprovide a seating area 375 for the plunger 310. The inner ring structure360 also increases the rigidity of the inner wall 342 such that theinner wall 342 is resilient to flexing when a sharp pressure changeoccurs within the passage 308. Because of the angled interface 376, theseam 318, and the inner ring structure 360, the multi-piece syringebarrel 300 may be resistant to leakage.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a syringe barrel400. The syringe barrel 400 may be similar to the syringe barrel 300(FIG. 7) and include a main portion 404 and a base portion 406. Asshown, the main portion 404 and the base portion 406 are engaged to eachother along a seam 418. The main portion 404 includes a finger 444, andthe base portion 406 includes a slot 445.

Also shown in FIG. 11, a light-propagating space 461 is defined betweenopposite side surfaces 472 and 474. For such embodiments in which thelight-propagating space is a void in the body surface of the syringebarrel, the light-propagating space may be referred to as alight-propagating recess. Similar to the light-propagating space 362,the light-propagating space 461 extends from a load edge 420 toreflective ramps 465 and 466.

FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 are sectional views of the syringe barrel 400 priorto and after coupling, respectively, the main portion 404 and the baseportion 406. In the illustrated embodiment, the main portion 404 and thebase portion 406 may be snap fit such that the two pieces may be alignedalong the longitudinal axis (not shown) and pressed toward each otherwith an axial force. An inner wall 462 of the main portion 404 and anouter wall 464 of the base portion 406 each have a ridge 484 and achannel 486 defined by the ridge 484. As the axial force is applied, theinner and outer walls 462, 464 may be deflected, thereby allowing theridges of the inner and outer walls 462, 464 to clear each other andsnap into the corresponding channels. In the illustrated embodiment, themain portion 404 and the base portion 406 can only be snap-fit if thefinger 444 is aligned with the slot 445.

In other embodiments, the main portion 404 and the base portion 406 maybe rotatably coupled. The finger 444 may be a flexible finger that iscapable of deflecting radially-inward towards the longitudinal axis. Asthe main portion 404 and the base portion 406 are rotatably coupled, thefinger 444 may be deflected inward. When the finger clears the slot 445,the finger 444 may flex into the slot 445, thereby preventing furtherrotation of the main portion 404 and the base portion 406.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an identification area 500 used by aknown system. In the known system, a light source generates light 501that propagates through a wall 504 of the syringe 502. For example, alaser or LED light source can provide light 501 through an edge surface505 of the wall 504. The light 501 may propagate through the wall 504and interact with discontinuities in the material of the wall 504,thereby causing refraction in which light exits the syringe 502 in apredetermined manner and is directed away from the syringe 502. Morespecifically, the wall 504 may include open-side grooves or channels 508having surfaces with predetermined angles so that the light may interactwith the wall 504 and generate light signals 510 that propagate awayfrom the syringe 502.

FIG. 15A illustrates a syringe-confirmation assembly 520 that may beused by one or more embodiments described herein. For example, thesyringe-confirmation assembly 520 may include an identification area 522of a syringe barrel 516, a light source 524, a light detector 526, and acontroller 525. The identification area 522 is a shaped portion of thesyringe barrel 516 having a base wall 518 of a base portion 542. In someembodiments, the syringe-confirmation assembly 520 includes the syringebarrel 516 and the light source 524 and/or the light detector 526. Thebase wall 518 has an exterior body surface 527 that is shaped to providea light-propagating space 528. The light-propagating space 528 may besimilar or identical to the light-propagating spaces 362 (FIG. 8) and462 (FIG. 11).

The light-propagating space 528 ends at reflective ramps 530 and 532. Asshown, the light source 524 generates light 534 that propagatesalongside the base wall 518 within the light-propagating space 528. Thelight 534 is reflected by the reflective ramps 530, 532 in apredetermined manner. More specifically, the reflective ramps 530, 532are sized, shaped, and positioned so that light signals 540 are directedradially away from the base wall 518 and towards a predeterminedlocation.

The light-propagating space 528 may have at least first and secondlevels 580, 582 of the exterior body surface 527. The first level 580 iscloser to a longitudinal axis 590 than the second level 582. In otherwords, the second level 582 has a greater elevation along the exteriorbody surface 527. As shown in FIG. 15, the first level 580 has a greaterlength along the longitudinal axis 590 than a length of the second level582. Also shown, the base portion 542 has a load edge 544 that defines aload opening. The load edge 544 has a reduced thickness.

The light source 524 may be configured to generate electromagneticradiation that has a designated wavelength or a designated range ofwavelengths. For example, the electromagnetic radiation may be opticalradiation within the visible spectrum (e.g., 390 nanometers (nm) to 700nm). The electromagnetic radiation may also be optical radiation withina generally non-visible spectrum, such as ultraviolet (10 to 400 nm) andinfrared (700 nm to 1550 nm or more). It should be understood that avariety of light sources, detectors, and materials exist and that thelight sources, detectors, and materials may be configured for reflectingand detecting light signals.

The light detector 526 is positioned at the predetermined location anddetects the light signals 540. The light detector 526 is communicativelycoupled to the controller 525 that reads the light signals 540. Forexample, the controller 525 may have access to a lookup table having alibrary of recognizable light signals. The controller 525 may identifythe detected light signals with light signals stored in the lookup tableto determine information about the syringe. Accordingly, and unlike thelight detection system of FIG. 14, light may propagate alongside thebase wall 518 without being transmitted through the base wall 518. Thelight may then be reflected by the base wall 518 towards the lightdetector 526.

Optionally, the base portion may be incapable of having an appreciableamount of electromagnetic radiation having a detectable wavelengthpropagate from the load edge 544 through the base wall 518 to thereflective ramps 530, 532. For example, at least one of the followingmay exist: (a) the base portion is shaped from an opaque material; (b)the exterior surface of the base portion is coated with an opaquematerial; or (c) the base portion includes discontinuities therein thatscatter the electromagnetic radiation. In other words, thediscontinuities scatter the electromagnetic radiation such that theelectromagnetic radiation may not be reflected and sufficientlydetected. As used herein, the term “opaque material” means a material inwhich the electromagnetic radiation is unable to propagate through suchthat the electromagnetic radiation may be reflected and detected.

In some embodiments, the base wall 518 is fabricated from a materialthat is different from material used for other portions of the syringebarrel. For instance, the main portion 304 (FIG. 7) and the main portion404 (FIG. 11) may comprise a material that is different than thematerial for the base portions 304, 404. The material used for the baseportions 304, 404 may be more suitable for reflecting light. By way ofexample, the material for the base wall 518 or the base portion may bepolyethylene terephthalate (PET). Other methods of providing the basewall may include pad printing, hot stamping, insert molding, orthree-dimensional printing. In particular embodiments, the exteriorsurface of the base wall 518 may be stamped or pressed with an opaquematerial or coated with an opaque material. The opaque material mayinclude a reflective foil.

FIG. 15B illustrates a syringe-confirmation assembly 560 that may beused by one or more embodiments described herein. Thesyringe-confirmation assembly 560 includes an identification area 561, alight source 562, a light detector 563, and a controller 564. Theidentification area 561 is a shaped portion of a syringe barrel having abase wall 565. The base wall 565 has an interior body surface 566 thatis shaped to provide a light-propagating space 567. Thelight-propagating space 567 may be similar to other light-propagatingspaces described herein. The light-propagating space 567 ends atreflective ramps 568 and 569. The base wall 565 also includes respectiveopenings therethrough that are partially defined by the reflective ramps568, 569.

As shown, the light source 562 generates light 570 that propagatesalongside the base wall 565 within the light-propagating space 567. Thelight 570 is reflected by the reflective ramps 568, 569 in apredetermined manner. More specifically, the reflective ramps 568, 569are sized, shaped, and positioned so that light signals 571 are directedradially away from the base wall 565 and towards a predeterminedlocation.

Optionally, the base portion may be incapable of having an appreciableamount of electromagnetic radiation having a detectable wavelengthpropagate from a load edge 572 through the base wall 565 to thereflective ramps 568, 569. For example, at least one of the followingmay exist: (a) the base portion is shaped from an opaque material; (b)the interior surface of the base portion is coated with an opaquematerial; or (c) the base portion includes discontinuities therein thatscatter the electromagnetic radiation.

FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are end views of an injection system 600 having afascia 604. The injection system 600 and the fascia 604 may be similarto the injection system 100 and the fascia 104, respectively, of FIG. 1.As shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the fascia 604 is positioned on an activeside 610 of an injector head 602. A peripheral lip 624 extends along aperimeter of the fascia 604. The fascia 604 is positioned such thatsyringe openings 616 are aligned with respective cavities 617 of theinjector head 602. When aligned the syringe openings 616 and thereceiving cavities 617 form respective ports 612, 614 that areconfigured to receive a syringe barrel 625 therethrough. In FIG. 16, thesyringe barrel 625 is mated with the port 612 and in an unlockedposition, which may also be referred to as a start position or areleasable position. In FIG. 17, the syringe barrel 625 is in the lockedposition. In the locked position, the syringe barrel 625 is operablyengaged to the injector head 602 such that the injector head 602controls the syringe barrel 625.

As shown in FIG. 17, the fascia 604 has a plurality of radially-inwardsurfaces 671, 672 that define a portion of the syringe opening 616. Asdescribed herein, the radially-inward surfaces and the syringe barrel625 may be shaped relative to each other such that the radially-inwardsurfaces and the syringe barrel 625 slidably engage each other during anoperating turn in which the syringe barrel 625 is rotated by the user tooperably engage the syringe barrel 625 and the injector head 602. In theillustrated embodiment, the radially-inward surfaces 671, 672 provide anon-circular shape to the syringe opening. For example, the syringeopening 616 may be oval-shaped or have two lobes.

In particular, the radially-inward surfaces and the syringe barrel 625may be shaped relative to each other such that a torque for rotating thesyringe barrel 625 from the start position is less than a torque forrotating the syringe barrel 625 at a mid-point between the start andloaded positions. Alternatively or in addition to the above, theradially-inward surfaces and the syringe barrel 625 may be shapedrelative to each other such that a torque for rotating the syringebarrel 625 from the loaded position is less than a torque for rotatingthe syringe barrel 625 at a mid-point between the start and loadedpositions.

In the illustrated embodiment, each pair of radially-inward surfaces671, 672 and the syringe barrel 625 are configured such that the torquefor rotating the syringe barrel 625 from the start position or from theloaded position is less than the torque for rotating the syringe barrelat the mid-point between the start and load positions. In other words, auser exerting effort to rotate the syringe barrel 625 from the startposition to the loaded position or from the loaded position to the startposition will notice that the effort to rotate is easier at thebeginning or the end of the operating turn than at a midway point of theoperating turn. Accordingly, the user is provided a tactile indicationthat the operating turn is productive such that the syringe barrel 625is being engaged with the injector head 602 and also given a tactileindication that the operating turn has ended because the effort to turnthe syringe barrel 625 decreased immediately before stopping.

Also shown in FIG. 17, the syringe barrel 625 has retaining shoulders636, 638. Each of the retaining shoulders 636, 638 has an outer edge 639with a radius of curvature that is similar to a radius of curvature ofthe syringe barrel 625. As such, the outer edges 639 extend parallel toan exterior surface of the syringe barrel 625 as the outer edge 639extends around a longitudinal axis 699 of the syringe barrel 625.

Turning to FIG. 18, the radially-inward surface 671 is identified by asolid line. The dashed line represents a path that would be taken by theouter edge 639 of a retaining shoulder during an operating turn. Asshown, the radially-inward surface is positioned inward from the dashedline. As such, the outer edge 639 engages the radially-inward surface671 during the operating turn. However, the engagement is notsignificant when the outer edge 639 is in the loaded position or in thereleasable position. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement (orfriction) is strongest at the mid-point. When the outer edge 639 engagesthe radially-inward surface 671, the radially-inward surface 671 may bepartially deflected. Friction generated between the outer edge 639 andthe radially-inward surface 671 drags or impedes the operating turn.More specifically, the friction requires more effort or torque in orderto rotate the syringe barrel. As such, the friction is least when theouter edge 639 is near the releasable position or the loaded positionand greatest when the outer edge 639 is at the mid-point. The change ineffort to rotate the syringe barrel is configured to be noticeable bythe user.

Returning to FIG. 17, in the illustrated embodiment, the radially-inwardsurfaces 671, 672 are surfaces of deflectable ribs 660, 662,respectively. More specifically, the fascia 604 has a cover body 651that includes the syringe openings 616, tactile openings 652, 654, andswitch openings (or slots) 656. The tactile openings 652, 654 and theswitch openings 656 may be referred to as secondary openings. Thetactile openings 652 are slots that extend parallel to but spaced apartfrom a perimeter of the respective syringe openings 616 such that astrip of material exists between the tactile openings 652 and therespective syringe openings 616. The strips of material are thedeflectable ribs 660. Likewise, the tactile openings 654 are slots thatextend parallel to but spaced apart from a perimeter of the respectivesyringe openings 616 such that a strip of material exists between thetactile openings 654 and the respective syringe openings 616. The stripsof material are the deflectable ribs 662.

The deflectable ribs 660, 662 may also have radially-outward surfacesthat define the corresponding tactile openings 652, 654. The deflectableribs 660, 662 may move when engaged with the syringe barrel such that asize or shape of the tactile opening changes. In some embodiments, theinjection system may include a shroud, such as a shroud 708 (FIG. 19),that is sized and shaped to cover the tactile openings 652, 654. Theshroud 708 may also be referred to as a side cover in some embodiments.

Each pair of deflectable ribs 660, 662 may cooperate together to providea tactile indication to the user performing an operating turn on thesyringe barrel 625. In other embodiments, only a single deflectable ribmay be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the radially-inward surfacesare located along deflectable ribs of the fascia. In other embodiments,however, the radially-inward surfaces may exist along other physicalfeatures that are deflectable or compressive.

Also shown in FIG. 17, magnetic switches 620 each include a channel 680extending alongside the syringe opening 616 and a permanent magnet 682.In other embodiments, the magnetic switches 620 may include anelectromagnet. The magnetic switch 620 and the permanent magnet 682 arepositioned outside of the injector head in the illustrated embodiment.For example, the permanent magnet 682 (or the electromagnet) may beimmediately adjacent to the injector head such that the permanent magnet682 engages the injector head or has only a nominal gap therebetween(e.g., less than 5 millimeters). The permanent magnet 682 may besnap-fit from an underside of the fascia 604. The permanent magnet 682is permitted to slide along or through the channel 680 and along theactive site 610. The permanent magnet 682 may be configured to movebetween different positions. For example, the permanent magnet 682 maybe moved to a first position to trigger the sensor. The permanent magnet682 may be moved to a second position to trigger the sensor.

As described above with respect to FIGS. 3-6, the active side 610 may beadjacent to a sensor of the injector head 602. For example, a straightline that is less than or equal to five (5) centimeters (cm) may extendfrom a point of the active side 610 to the internal sensor. In certainembodiments, the straight line is less than three (3) cm or less thantwo (2) cm. The permanent magnet 682 generates a magnetic field. As themagnetic field moves with the permanent magnet and crosses the sensor inthe injector head 602, the sensor is triggered in a similar manner asthe proximity sensor 259 (FIG. 5). In the known system, the magnet 227(FIG. 5) is moved with respect to the proximity sensor 259 (FIG. 5) whenthe flex ring 226 is engaged by the known syringe.

In embodiments of the present application, however, the magnetic switch620 may be activated independently from the rotation of the syringebarrel 625. For example, the syringe barrel 625 may not engage or causethe flex ring 226 (FIG. 3) to move when the syringe barrel 625 operablyengages or is operably engaged with the injector head 602. Consequently,the internal magnet does not move and the magnetic field of the internalmagnet does not move and trigger the internal sensor, such as the sensor229 (FIG. 5).

Nonetheless, external magnets described herein are capable ofindependently triggering the internal sensor. When the internal sensoris triggered by the magnetic switch 620, the injector head 602 mayrespond. For example, the injector head 602 may illuminate thereflective ramps to generate light signals and confirm the presence ofthe syringe barrel 625 or identify the syringe barrel 625. The injectorhead 602 may also prepare the pistons by advancing them through thepassage to engage the plunger within the passage. Additionally, in someembodiments, the syringe barrel 625 may be partially retracted so thatthe leading flange (not shown in FIG. 17) engages the lip 260 (FIG. 4).

It is noted that some embodiments may be capable of operating withsyringe barrels described herein, such as the syringe barrels 300, 625,702, in addition to other known syringe barrels, such as the syringe204. Accordingly, an injector head may be capable of operably engagingsyringe barrels having different designs in which one design engages theflex ring and in which another design does not engage the flex ring.

FIGS. 19-21 illustrate an injection sub-assembly 700 formed inaccordance with an embodiment. FIG. 19 is an exploded view of aninjection sub-assembly 700 formed in accordance with an embodiment. Asshown, the injection sub-assembly 700 includes syringe barrels 702,plunger assemblies 704, and a fascia 706. The syringe barrels 702 may besimilar or identical to the other syringe barrels described herein. Thefascia 706 may also be similar or identical to the other fasciasdescribed herein.

The injection sub-assembly 700 also includes a shroud 708 and a strap orbelt 710. The shroud 708 is configured to cover the fascia 706. Forexample, the shroud 708 may cover tactile openings and switch openingsto prevent ingress of leaked fluid. The shroud 708 may be removablycoupled so that, for example, the shroud 708 may be washed separatelyand then mounted to the fascia 706 again.

The shroud 708, the strap 710, and the fascia 706 combine to form a sidecover 725 that is configured to cover at least a portion of an activeside of an injector head. In the illustrated embodiment, the side cover725 is an assembly that includes three discrete elements. In otherembodiments, the side cover may include only two elements (e.g., theshroud and fascia or the strap and one of the shroud or fascia). Theside cover may include more than three elements. Yet in otherembodiments, the side cover includes only the shroud 708 or only thefascia 706 or a similar element. For example, the fascia 604 may bereferred to as a side cover. The shroud 708, the fascia 706, and theside cover 725 may also be referred to as a support structure of themagnetic switch 738. Accordingly, the term “side cover,” when recited inthe claims, includes a cover that is identical to or similar to a fasciaor shroud.

Although the illustrated embodiment shows the injection sub-assembly 700including the syringe barrels 702, the plunger assemblies 704, theshroud 708, the strap 710, and the fascia 706, other embodiments mayinclude fewer or more components than those shown. For example, in someembodiments, the injection sub-assembly 700 may include only the fascia706 and the shroud 708.

Each of the plunger assemblies 704 is configured to engage a distal endof a piston (not shown). As shown, the plunger assembly 704 includes aplunger cover 711, an internal member 712, and piston connectors 713,714. The plunger cover 711, the internal member 712, and the pistonconnectors 713, 714 may be stacked together and inserted through a loadopening 720 of the corresponding syringe barrel 702.

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the injection sub-assembly 700,and FIG. 21 is a rear perspective view of the injection sub-assembly700. As shown, the shroud 708 and, optionally, the strap 710 may beconfigured to essentially cover an entirety of the fascia 706, exceptfor syringe openings 730 (also shown in FIG. 19). The shroud 708includes shroud openings 732 (FIG. 20) that align with the syringeopenings 730.

The fascia 706 has a contoured body that is configured to extend overand cover the injector head. The fascia 706 forms a bowl or basin thatreceives a portion of the injector head. The shroud 708 has a similarlysized bowl or basin that receives the fascia 706. In some embodiments,the fascia 706 and the shroud 708 include grip extensions 707, 709,respectively. The grip extensions 707 are positioned along a perimeterof the fascia 706. The grip extensions 707 are positioned to form aplurality of gaps where the grip extensions 709 of the shroud 708 arepositioned. As such, the grip extensions may be evenly distributed aboutthe injector head when coupling to the injector head. In alternativeembodiments, the shroud 708 does not coupled directly to the injectorhead. For example, the shroud may directly couple to the fascia 706.

When the injection sub-assembly 700 is fully constructed and the syringebarrel 702 is operably loaded, the retaining shoulders of the syringebarrel 702 are coplanar with the deflectable ribs of the fascia 706. Inparticular embodiments, the shroud 708 covers the deflectable ribs suchthat the retaining shoulders move between the injector head and theshroud 708 when the syringe barrel is turned. In other embodiments, thedeflectable ribs may be covered by the shroud 708.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of an underside of the injectionsub-assembly 700. The injection sub-assembly 700 also includes amagnetic switch 738 (also shown in FIG. 20) that may be similar to themagnetic switches 120, 620. The magnetic switch 738 includes an externalmagnet 740 and a movable switch body 742 that is coupled to and carriesthe external magnet 740. In the illustrated embodiment, the externalmagnet 740 is a permanent magnet. In other embodiments, the magneticswitch 738 includes an electromagnet. The magnetic switch 738 and theexternal magnet 740 are positioned outside of the injector head in theillustrated embodiment. For example, the external magnet 740 may beimmediately adjacent to the injector head such that the external magnet740 engages the injector head or has only a nominal gap therebetween(e.g., less than 5 millimeters). It is contemplated, however, that theexternal magnet 740 may be located further away from the injector head.Other magnetic switches described (e.g., the magnetic switches 120, 620)herein may be operate in a similar manner as the magnetic switch 738.

The external magnet 740 is operable to modify a magnetic fieldexperienced by the internal sensor to activate the internal sensor. Insome embodiments, the movable switch body is a slider that is configuredto slide along the fascia 706. In other embodiments, the movable switchbody may be a toggle switch, rocker switch, or push-button switch(es).The movable switch body 742 may include first and second arms 744, 746that engage and grip the external magnet 740. The movable switch body742 is coupled to a body 748 of the shroud 708 and is configured toslide about the shroud opening 732. The magnet 740 and the arms 744, 746extend through aligned slots 750, 752 of the shroud 708 and the fascia706, respectively. The magnet 740 may slide through the slots 750, 752when the movable switch body 742 is moved by a user. The slots 750, 752may combine to form a track. In the illustrated embodiment, the track isarc-shaped that extends along the syringe opening. The slots 750, 752may be configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and positioned) so that theexternal magnet 740 is above the sensor at a designated position withinthe track. For example, a mid-point along the track may correspond tothe magnet 740 being above the sensor.

In some embodiments, however, the sensor may also be magneticallyinfluenced by an internal magnet that is movable within the injectorhead. For example, the flex ring 226 (FIG. 3) is coupled to the internalpermanent magnet 227 (FIG. 5) that is movable. For such embodiments whenthe injector head includes the internal magnet 227 (or similar movable,internal permanent magnet), the magnetic switch is configured to accountfor the magnetic field generated by the internal magnet.

In an alternative embodiment, the injection sub-assembly 700 does notinclude the shroud 708 or the fascia 706 but does include the magneticswitch 738. In such embodiments, a support structure may hold themagnetic switch. For example, a housing of the magnetic switch may beadhered to a side, such as the active side or other side, of theinjector head.

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating the magnetic influence of aninternal magnet 802 and an external magnet 804 on an internal sensor806. The external magnet 804 is part of a magnetic switch 800. Theinternal magnet 802 and the internal sensor 806 are positioned within aninjector head 801. The influence of the external magnet 804 on theinternal sensor 806 may be controlled by designating a range of relativepositions of the external magnet 804. For example, the external magnet804 may be movable along a track or slot such that the external magnet804 will remain within a plane of the track but be capable of havingdifferent positions within the slot. As indicated in FIG. 23, theexternal magnet 804 may be moved between two different ends 812, 814within a track 810.

Although illustrated embodiments have shown the magnetic switch beingpositioned along an active side from which the syringe barrels extend,other embodiments may include the magnetic switch at a differentposition. For example, the magnetic switch 800 or the external magnet804 may be positioned along an outer side that extends vertically withrespect to the horizontal active side.

A total magnetic influence on the internal sensor 806 may also beaffected by a position of the internal magnet 802. As described herein,although the internal magnet 802 may be capable of moving relative tothe internal sensor 806, at least some embodiments may avoid moving theinternal magnet 802 by more than a negligible amount. For example, thesyringe barrel may not engage the flex ring that holds the internalmagnet 802.

The internal and external magnets 802, 804 have respective magneticfields 803, 805. In FIG. 23, the magnetic field 805 of the externalmagnet 804 aligns with a back side 809 of the internal sensor 806, andthe magnetic field 803 of the internal magnet 802 aligns with a frontside 807 of the internal sensor 806. The magnetic fields 803, 805 arecaused by the South poles of the respective magnets in the illustratedembodiment, but may be caused by the North poles of the respectivemagnets in other embodiments. Yet in other embodiments, the magneticfields 803, 805 may be caused by different poles.

In FIG. 23, the internal and external magnets 802, 804 are positionedsuch that the internal sensor 806 indicates the syringe is present(e.g., operably engaged to the injector head). Without the externalmagnet 804, however, the position of the internal magnet 802 would causethe internal sensor 806 to indicate the syringe is not present. Morespecifically, the designated position of the external magnet 804 has thesame effect as moving the internal magnet 802 away from the internalsensor 806. In other words, the magnetic field 805 reduces the strengthof the magnetic field 803, thereby causing the circuitry of the internalsensor 806 to indicate a syringe is present. If the external magnet 804were moved further away from the back side 809 of the internal sensor806, the total magnetic field experience by the circuitry of theinternal sensor 806 would increase because the strength of the magneticfield 805 is decreased. If the external magnet 804 were moved to thefront side 807 of the internal sensor 806, however, the total magneticfield experienced by the circuitry of the internal sensor 806 wouldincrease because the strength of the magnetic field 805 is added to thestrength of the magnetic field 803. Accordingly, the external magnet 804may be moved in either direction to increase the total magnetic fieldexperienced by the circuitry of the internal sensor 806 and cause theinternal sensor 806 to indicate that the syringe is not present.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of a magnetic switch 900 and illustratesa magnetic influence of an internal magnet 902 and an external magnet904 on an internal sensor 906. The external magnet 904 is operable tomodify a magnetic field experienced by the internal sensor 906 toactivate the internal sensor 906. The magnetic switch 900 and theexternal magnet 904 are positioned outside of the injector head 901. Theexternal magnet 904 may be immediately adjacent to the injector head 901such that the external magnet 904 engages the injector head 901 or hasonly a nominal gap therebetween (e.g., less than 5 millimeters). It iscontemplated, however, that the external magnet may be located furtheraway from the injector head 901. Other magnetic switches described(e.g., the magnetic switches 120, 620, and 738) herein may be configuredto operate in a similar manner as the magnetic switch 900.

The magnetic switch 900 includes the external magnet 904, a power source917, a support structure 920, and a button 924. In FIG. 24, the externalmagnet 904 is an electromagnet having a core 930 and a conductor 932that is wrapped about the core 930. The conductor 932 is electricallycoupled to the power source 917 (e.g., battery). The power source 917may be activated when, for example, a user presses the button 924. Thebutton 924 is coupled to the support structure 920. In FIG. 24, thesupport structure 920 is a housing of the magnetic switch 900. In otherembodiments, however, the support structure may be a side cover, such asa shroud and/or a fascia as described herein. When the power source 917is activated, the electromagnet generates a respective magnetic fieldthat affects the total magnetic field experienced by the internalsensor.

While various spatial and directional terms, such as top, bottom, lower,mid, lateral, horizontal, vertical, front and the like may be used todescribe embodiments of the present disclosure, it is understood thatsuch terms are merely used with respect to the orientations shown in thedrawings. The orientations may be inverted, rotated, or otherwisechanged, such that an upper portion is a lower portion, and vice versa,horizontal becomes vertical, and the like.

Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope ofthe present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed anddefined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more ofthe individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/ordrawings. All of these different combinations constitute variousalternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments describedherein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention andwill enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. Theclaims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to theextent permitted by the prior art.

What is claimed is:
 1. An injection system comprising: an injector headconfigured to control delivery of a designated fluid to a patient, theinjector head including a syringe interface along an active side of theinjector head, the syringe interface having a receiving cavityconfigured to directly receive a syringe barrel; and a side coverdistinct from the injector head, the side cover having a syringe openingtherethrough, the side cover being sized and shaped to cover at least aportion of the active side of the injector head such that the receivingcavity and the syringe opening align with each other to form a port thatreceives the syringe barrel, wherein the side cover is removably mountedto the injector head, wherein the side cover has a deflectable rib witha radially-inward surface that defines a portion of the port.
 2. Theinjection system of claim 1, wherein the injector head is part of asystem that is operable without the side cover.
 3. The injection systemof claim 1, wherein the deflectable rib has a radially-outward surfacethat defines a tactile opening, the deflectable rib moving when engagedwith the syringe barrel such that a size or a shape of the tactileopening changes when the deflectable rib moves.
 4. The injection systemof claim 3, wherein the side cover includes a shroud and a fascia thathas the tactile opening, the shroud being sized and shaped to cover thetactile opening.
 5. The injection system of claim 4, wherein the shroudcovers at least 90% of an exterior surface of the fascia.
 6. Theinjection system of claim 1, wherein the side cover includes a fasciathat covers at least a portion of the active side and a shroud thatcovers at least a portion of the fascia.
 7. The injection system ofclaim 6, wherein the fascia includes a secondary opening and the syringeopening, the shroud covering the secondary opening but not the syringeopening.
 8. The injection system of claim 6, wherein the fascia and theshroud are stacked side-by-side and secured to each other.
 9. Theinjection system of claim 8, further comprising a strap, wherein thefascia and the shroud are secured to each other by the strap.
 10. Theinjection system of claim 9, wherein the side cover covers at least 90%of an exterior surface of the active side.
 11. The injection system ofclaim 9, further comprising an external magnet that is coupled to theside cover, the external magnet being at least one of (a) a permanentmagnet operable to move with respect to the injector head and (b) anelectromagnet.
 12. The injection system of claim 11, wherein at leastone of the fascia and the shroud has a respective slot that receives theexternal magnet, the external magnet being movable within the respectiveslot.
 13. The injection system of claim 1, wherein the receiving cavityis coaxially aligned with the syringe opening.
 14. The injection systemof claim 1, wherein the side cover is sized and shaped to cover anentirety of the active side of the injector head.
 15. An injectionsystem comprising: a syringe barrel having a passage extending along alongitudinal axis between a tip opening and a load opening of thesyringe barrel; an injector head configured to control delivery of adesignated fluid to a patient, the injector head including a syringeinterface along an active side of the injector head, the syringeinterface having a receiving cavity configured to directly receive thesyringe barrel; and a side cover distinct from the injector head, theside cover having a syringe opening therethrough, the side cover beingsized and shaped to cover at least a portion of the active side of theinjector head such that the receiving cavity and the syringe openingalign with each other to form a port that receives the syringe barrel;and wherein the syringe barrel is configured to rotate an operating turnbetween a start position and a loaded position, the syringe barrel beingreleasable when in the start position, wherein the side cover has aradially-inward surface that defines a portion of the syringe opening,the radially-inward surface and the syringe barrel being shaped relativeto each other such that the radially-inward surface and the syringebarrel slidably engage each other during the operating turn, theradially-inward surface and the syringe barrel being shaped relative toeach other such that a torque for rotating the syringe barrel from thestart position or from the loaded position is less than a torque forrotating the syringe barrel from one or more points between, but notincluding, the start and loaded positions.
 16. The injection system ofclaim 15, wherein the side cover includes a deflectable or compressiblephysical feature that includes the radially-inward surface.
 17. Theinjection system of claim 15, wherein the side cover is removable. 18.The injection system of claim 15, wherein the side cover includes a lipextending around a majority of a perimeter of the side cover.
 19. Theinjection system of claim 15, wherein the side cover is sized and shapedto cover an entirety of the active side of the injector head.